THIS IS THE BEST NEWS WE COULD HOPE FOR: Indiana Hoosiers and NCAA community are overjoyed as Hoosiers head coach Darian DeVries makes announcement of making Star Luke Goode the……
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THIS IS THE BEST NEWS WE COULD HOPE FOR: Hoosiers and NCAA Community Rejoice as Coach Darian DeVries Names Star Luke Goode the New Face of Indiana Basketball
In what many are calling a defining moment for Indiana basketball, Hoosiers head coach Darian DeVries made a headline-grabbing announcement that has sent waves of excitement through Bloomington and beyond. During a press conference that quickly turned emotional, DeVries confirmed that senior guard Luke Goode will be the new centerpiece of the Indiana Hoosiers program—on and off the court.
“This is the best news we could hope for,” DeVries said, smiling as the room erupted in applause. “Luke Goode isn’t just one of the hardest-working players I’ve ever coached—he’s the embodiment of what Indiana basketball is all about: toughness, humility, loyalty, and the will to lead.”
Goode, a 6’7″ sharpshooter who transferred from Illinois, has quickly captured the hearts of Indiana fans with his tenacity, high basketball IQ, and clutch shooting. But more than his on-court production, it’s his leadership behind the scenes that has caught the attention of DeVries and the Hoosier community. The announcement means Goode will not only take on the role of team captain but will also be the program’s lead ambassador in the NIL and community outreach space—a first-of-its-kind initiative under DeVries’ revamped leadership model.
The move comes at a pivotal time for Indiana basketball. After a stretch of underwhelming seasons, the arrival of DeVries—who built a mid-major powerhouse at Drake before taking over the IU program—signaled a culture shift in Bloomington. Now, with Goode leading the charge, the Hoosiers are poised to reassert themselves as a force in the Big Ten and beyond.
“I came here because I believed something special was being built,” Goode said, clearly moved by the honor. “This is bigger than me. It’s about this team, this community, and restoring the pride of Indiana basketball. I’m ready to go to war for this program every single day.”
Known for his relentless work ethic and elite perimeter shooting, Goode averaged 10.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game last season at Illinois, often delivering when it mattered most. His ability to stretch the floor with deep-range threes combined with a sneaky-good sense for defensive rotations made him one of the most sought-after transfers in the portal.
But what truly set him apart for DeVries was his leadership during summer workouts and his presence in the locker room.
“Every team needs a guy who sets the tone. For us, that’s Luke,” DeVries said. “He holds himself accountable, he holds his teammates accountable, and he does it with respect. He’s the guy others naturally follow.”
Since arriving in Bloomington, Goode has taken underclassmen under his wing, stayed late in the gym, and even organized volunteer efforts for the team to engage with local schools and youth centers. His leadership will now expand beyond practice and game nights, as he becomes the face of Indiana’s “Hoosier Heartbeat” program—an initiative focused on connecting athletes with the community and creating long-term relationships with fans, youth, and alumni.
That aspect of the announcement thrilled Hoosier Nation, which has long prided itself on a deep bond between its team and its fanbase. Social media lit up with excitement, with alumni and supporters praising Goode’s humility, poise, and passion for representing Indiana.
“Luke Goode represents everything great about college athletics,” said former IU standout and NBA veteran Victor Oladipo. “He’s a worker, a leader, and someone who gets what wearing that Indiana jersey means.”
The announcement also serves as a major boost to Indiana’s recruiting pitch. DeVries emphasized that elevating a player like Goode—who transferred in, bought into the culture, and earned his role—sends a message to future Hoosiers that effort and character still matter in a world increasingly driven by NIL deals and flash.
“I’m not just building a roster. I’m building a culture,” DeVries said. “Luke Goode is our standard.”
Goode’s new leadership role will come with expanded responsibilities. In addition to serving as team captain and community ambassador, he will also work with Indiana’s athletics department on player development initiatives, helping bridge the gap between incoming freshmen and the expectations of Big Ten competition. Additionally, Goode will play a central role in Indiana’s new branding push, appearing in promotional materials, commercials, and fan engagement events.
Asked if he felt pressure taking on such a wide-ranging role, Goode grinned. “Pressure? This is a dream. I grew up loving college basketball. To be in this position at a place like Indiana—are you kidding me? I’m ready to get to work.”
As the Hoosiers prepare for the upcoming season, expectations are on the rise. With a renewed sense of purpose, a coach who’s hungry to restore greatness, and now a star leader who symbolizes everything the program hopes to be, the sky suddenly feels like the limit in Bloomington.
And while banners, wins, and rankings are still to come, one thing is certain: Indiana basketball just found its heartbeat.
“Luke Goode isn’t just our captain,” DeVries said. “He’s our future.”
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